PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The Rutgers men's soccer team (2-3-1) continued its winning ways at Yurcak as the team downed Columbia (1-2-1), 2-0, on Wednesday night. Jackson Temple notched the game-winner just before halftime while Luciano Sanchez added an insurance goal in the final minutes of play.
It was a quiet start to the game, although Rutgers maintained an early 6-2 edge in shots in the 15th minute. However, Temple broke through in the 41st minute to give RU the lead going into halftime.
Coming out of the break, the Scarlet Knights continued to attack Columbia's defensive zone, with 11 shots in the second half. In the last moments of the moments of the contest, Sanchez broke free, out running multiple Lions defenders, to give RU the 2-0 victory.
Goals
41' | (RU) Jackson Temple (2) – unassisted
90' | (RU) Luciano Sanchez (2) – unassisted
Game Notes
- Temple and Sanchez each recorded their second goals of the season. Both pace the team in the category.
- Temple leads the team with six points, registering two goals and two assists this fall. Sanchez ranks second with five points after collecting two scores and one helper.
- Columbia failed to register a shot on goal, leaving goalkeeper Ciaran Dalton with his first shutout of the season and the third of his career. He also recorded clean sheets at Wisconsin (Sept. 23) and versus Stony Brook (Oct. 12) last fall.
- Sanchez led a group of three Scarlet Knights who took more than two shots, with three attempts. Temple and Curt Calov also earned three shots a piece.
- Sanchez currently paces Rutgers with 17 total shots this season as well as 10 on frame. The freshman has led the team in the statistic in three of six games this campaign.
- RU ended Wednesday's game with 22 shots to the Lions' eight. Rutgers has now ended three games this season with 20+ shots, with the season-high of 26 coming against Princeton (Sept. 1).
- The freshmen continued to show out as Sanchez, Erick Ruiz and Nicholas Collins all earned starts against Columbia. Devon Stopek also entered the game off the bench. The group of four rookies have already collectively played 887 minutes on the pitch and combined for 10 starts.
- Collins, Joey Zalinsky and Matthew Acosta played all 90 minutes of Wednesday night's match.
- Rutgers is now 2-0-1 at Yurcak Field this season.
Looking Ahead
The Scarlet Knights will open Big Ten play as they welcome Michigan State (3-0-1) to Yurcak Field on Sunday, Sept. 17 for a 2 p.m. matinee. The team will celebrate Senior Day Scarlet Out. Everyone is encouraged to wear Scarlet to the game. The team will also welcome the Kids Club, giving out pins and celebrating with a high five line.
Follow Along
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